Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room One, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln Lincs LN1 1YL. View directions

Contact: Katrina Cope  Senior Democratic Services Officer

Items
No. Item

29.

Apologies for Absence/Replacement Members

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed Alison Hill (Early Years Providers representative) to the meeting, and invited all members present to introduce themselves to the meeting.

 

Apologies for absence were received from Marilyn Bell (Governor, The Fenland Federation), Roger Hale (Head Teacher, Caistor Grammar School), Helen Hilton (Head Teacher, Little Gonerby Church of England Infant School), Lea Mason (Executive Head Teacher, Lincolnshire Wolds Federation, Louth), Jeremy Newnham (Head Teacher, Caistor Yarborough Academy), Nigel Sisley JP (Governor, St Francis Community Special School, Lincoln), Helen Stokes (Branch Secretary, UNISON) Jerry Tucker (Head Teacher, The Acorn Free School, Lincoln)  and Ian Wilkinson (Head Teacher, Deeping St James Community Primary School).

 

It was reported that Nick Law and Gary Nixon (Executive Head, Gainsborough Federation) had replaced Jeremy Newham (Head Teacher, Caistor Yarborough Academy) and Lea Mason (Executive Head Teacher, Lincolnshire Wolds Federation, Louth) respectively, for this meeting only.

 

Apologies were also received from Councillor Mrs P A Bradwell (Executive Councillor Adult Care and Health Services, Children's Services) and Councillor D Brailsford (Executive Support Councillor for Children's Services).

 

An apology was also received from Debbie Barnes (Executive Director of Children's Services).

30.

Declarations of Members' Interests

Minutes:

No declarations of Members Interests were made at this stage of the proceedings.

31.

Minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2016 pdf icon PDF 172 KB

Minutes:

Further to minute No 23 from the meeting held on 13 January 2016, relating to the Pupil Reintegration Charge, the Forum was advised by the Chief Commissioning Officer for Learning that a subsequent decision had been made for the above said charge to be put on hold.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of Lincolnshire Schools Forum meeting held on 13 January 2016 be agreed, and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to Patricia Ruff (Head Teacher, Dunholme St Chads Church of England Primary School) name being added to the list of apologies for the meeting; and at minute No 28, the first bullet point being amended to read 'An update on the Teaching and Learning Centre.'

32.

Section 251 Budget Statement 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 89 KB

(To receive a report from Mark Popplewell, Head of Finance, Children's Services, which provides an update to the Schools' Forum regarding the Budget Statement for 2016/17)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Mark Popplewell (Head of Finance, Children's Services), which provided the Schools' Forum with a copy of the Section 251 budget statement for the 2016/17 financial year.

 

A copy of the Section 251 data applicable to Lincolnshire was detailed in Appendix A to the report presented.

 

The Head of Finance, Children's Services guided the Forum through the report and responded to questions raised.

 

RESOLVED

 

            That the report be noted.

33.

National Funding Formula for Schools pdf icon PDF 181 KB

(To receive a report from Mark Popplewell, Head of Finance, Children's Services, which advises the Schools' Forum of the Local Authority's response to the Department of Education)

Minutes:

The Schools' Forum gave consideration to a report from Mark Popplewell (Head of Finance, Children's Services), which provided a summary of the Schools National Funding Formula consultation; a summary of the High Needs Funding consultation; and detailed Lincolnshire County Council's response to both consultations.

 

Appendix 1 to the report provided details of the Council's response to the consultation of the national funding formula for schools; and Appendix 2 detailed the Council's response to the high needs funding reforms.

 

The Forum was advised that over 5,000 responses had been received by the Department of Education in relation to the national fairer funding formula consultations.  It was highlighted that it was unclear at this stage when the second phase of the two consultations would commence.

 

RESOLVED

 

            That the report be noted.

34.

School Collaboration on Resource Efficiency (SCoRE) Programme Update pdf icon PDF 303 KB

(To receive a report and presentation  from Doug Robinson, Environmental Services Team Leader (Sustainability), which provides the Schools' Forum with an update on the SCoRE Programme)  

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Doug Robinson (Environmental Services Team Leader (Sustainability), which provided the Forum with an update on the Schools Collaboration on Resource Efficiency (SCoRE) programme to date.  It was reported that the programme had been funded from an allocation of DSG underspend.  The three strands to the programme consisted of behavioural and low cost savings; strategic investment in boiler room improvements; and supporting additional investment in proven technologies identified in individual action plans.

 

An updated version of the report had been circulated to all members of the Forum in advance of the meeting.

 

Appendix A to the report provided information relating to all SCoRE schools and programme details.

 

The Forum watched a Youtube video, which captured feedback from schools, teachers and pupils who had participated in the successful SCoRE programme.

 

It was highlighted that 230 schools and academies had completed the full programme; 763 students had been trained as Lincolnshire Carbon Ambassadors.  It was highlighted further that there had been an overall reduction in energy consumption from the whole school portfolio during the lifetime of SCoRE.  It was noted that electricity use had seen a light increase of 2% and gas consumption had gone down by 23% overall with the vast majority of the gas savings had been achieved through the boiler improvement programme.

 

The Forum also received a short presentation from the Environmental Services Team Leader (Sustainability), which headlined the programmes achievements; the financial savings; the financial investment; and the feedback from students on the skills developed as a result of taking part in the scheme.  It was highlighted that the programme would end on 31 August 2016.

 

In conclusion, the Forum was advised that the programme had achieved significant investment in energy efficiency and renewables, which had resulted in a reduction of energy consumption and bill amounts.  The programme had also been recognised in several award schemes, details of which were contained within the report presented.

 

The Chairman on behalf of the Forum extended his congratulations to the team for all their hard work making the programme such a success; and highlighted how many more schools would benefit by such a programme.

 

The Forum noted that due to financial pressures, the DSG being cash flat, and the continued pressure on central budgets, there was no longer the capacity to continue to fund the programme going forward.  It was therefore proposed that an offering for Display Energy Certificates for academies and energy and support for all schools would be developed within the "commercial offer for schools" proposals.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the significant benefits and savings achieved by the SCoRE programme, as detailed in the report presented programme be noted.

35.

Annual Report on Special Educational Needs and Disability pdf icon PDF 162 KB

(To receive a report from Sheridan Dodsworth, Head of Service, Additional Needs and Children with Disabilities, which provides the Schools' Forum with the annual report on Special Educational Needs)

Minutes:

The Forum gave consideration to a report from Sheridan Dodsworth (Children's Services Manager, Special Educational Needs and Disability) (SEND), which provided an annual update on Special Educational Needs as required by the Schools Forum Regulations.

 

The Children's Services Manager, Special Educational Needs and Disability guided the Forum through the report presented and responded to questions raised, which included the following issues:-

 

·         How did the Council know that it was getting good value for money for out of County placements?  The Forum were assured that a robust commissioning policy ensured that the Council looked at all available options;

·         Out of County Placements – The Forum noted that out of County placements were only made when Lincolnshire Schools could not meet the special educational needs of a particular learner.  To reduce the cost of such outside placements, the Council was working with Special Schools to improve provision locally.  The Forum noted further that placements had decreased over a number of years but between 2013 and 2015 the number had risen, to 100 as at 31 March 2015.  The cost of placement for 2014/15 was £6.9m, which had been a significant over-spend on the agreed £5m budget.  It was noted that the Schools' Forum had agreed to increase the budget by £2m in January 2015 to meet the current demand levels of out of County placements.  Support was also given to earlier intervention, particular to young people with Autism the issue would then be funding.  The Forum was advised that only 2 young people within the older age group were placed out of county and it was confirmed that the County did not have any residential facilities; however, Special Schools had some residential provision.

·         One member enquired about the cost of tribunals.  The Forum was advised that the number of cases to tribunals had doubled and it was highlighted that the figure for this year was expected to be 45.  The legal expected cost would be at least £2,000.00; and for more complex cases the costs would be from £5,000.00.  The Children's Service Manager, Special Educational Needs and Disability agreed to provide some details relating to the overall costs associated with Tribunal's to members of the Schools' Forum; and

·         A suggestion was made for a report on the SEN Strategy, and how that links with Behavioural Outreach Support Services (BOSS); and will reduce Out of County placements spend to be presented to the next meeting of the Forum on 29 June 2016.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    That the Annual Report on Special Educational Needs and Disability be noted.

 

2.    That a report on the SEN Strategy and how that links with Behaviour Outreach Support Services and will reduce Out of County placements be presented to the 29 June 2016 meeting. 

36.

Team Around the Child (TAC) in Lincolnshire pdf icon PDF 82 KB

(To receive a report from Paula Whitehead, Team Manager, Team Around the Child, which updates the Schools' Forum with an update on the Team Around the Child)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Paula Whitehead (Manager, Team Around the Child), which provided the Forum with an update on Team Around the Child (TAC) in Lincolnshire, in the form of an annual report.

 

Detailed at Appendix 1 was a copy of the TAC Annual Report – April 2015 to March 2016 for the Forum to consider.

 

It was highlighted that the number of TACs had steadily increased.  The number of open TACs at the end of March 2016 was 2320, an increase of 31% compared to previous years.

 

The Forum was advised that during the year 259 cases had been quality assured.  It was noted that the outcomes from the Quality Assurance Judgements compared to the previous year, outstanding cases had increased from 8% to 10%; and inadequate cases had reduced form 18% to 2%.  It was noted further that this was evidence of quality improvement in the journeys of children and young people through TAC.

 

With regard to closures it was reported that 76% (compared to 67% last year) had met the needs of the child either fully met, or reduced so that a single service only could support.  Again, this was evidence of the effectiveness of TAC.

 

Reference was also made to the priorities for the coming year details of which were detailed on page 64 of the report presented.

 

During a short discussion, particular reference was made to secondary sector mental health and how this was being dealt with.  The Forum was advised that a significant amount of work had been done surrounding Child and Adult mental health, it was felt that engagement needed to be made earlier in the process and that work was ongoing with Clinical Commissioning Groups.  It was highlighted that that the increase in lead professionals was a huge commitment to schools.  A suggestion was made that health should be encouraged to take more of a lead.

 

Some members extended their appreciated to the TAC team for their help and support.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the update pertaining to the Team Around the Child in Lincolnshire be noted.

37.

Early Years in Lincolnshire Analysis of the Local Authority's Current Early Years Priorities and Intentions for 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 202 KB

(To receive a report from Michelle Andrews, Service Manager, Early Years - Head of Birth to Five Service, which provides the Schools' Forum with the annual report on the Early Years' Service)

Minutes:

The Forum gave consideration to a report from Michelle Andrew (Service Manager – Early Years and Childcare Support), which advised of the Local Authority's statutory duties under the current Department of Education guidance for early years and to provide an analysis Lincolnshire's position for 2015/16 and priorities for 16/17.

 

It was reported that during 2015/16 Lincolnshire had reviewed the Early Years Support Service, and from January 2016 it was renamed as Early Years and Childcare Support.  The focus would still be on the statutory duties with regard to all early years and childcare provision, and working to improve the outcomes for young children and their families, in order to reduce inequalities in child development and school readiness.

 

It was highlighted that the Children's Centre Teachers continued to contribute to the very strong Ofsted outcomes for the Children's Centres across Lincolnshire.  87% of Lincolnshire Children Centre inspection had resulted in a 'Good' or 'Outstanding' outcome. 

 

The Forum was advised that the number of Early Years providers delivering funded two year old places had continued to rise, and the service was continuing to build on its offer to ensure high quality provision was available for all eligible children in Lincolnshire.  Also, it was highlighted that the number of three and four year old accessing the free entitlement had continued to rise and that national figures published in January 2015 had indicated that 99% of three and four year old children had accessed their free entitlement in Lincolnshire.

 

It was highlighted that the Early Years Pupil premium funding introduced in April 2015 to build on the successful model of the school-age Pupil Premium had increased to 98% during 2015/16.

 

The Forum was advised that the Government had committed in 2016/17 to consult on the implementation of an Early Years National Funding Formula.  It was reported that local Authorities were waiting for this announcement, and the indication was that a new national formula would be implemented from 2017/18.  It was highlighted that there was sufficiency concerns with regard to the 30 hour provision from September 2017, as this would put a lot of pressure on service provision as the sector was already struggling to recruit staff to Early Years.  Officers confirmed that work was being done with the Department of Education, and concerns had been raised with regard to capacity issues.  It was highlighted that recruitment problems were in pockets rather than being Countywide.  The Council would be continuing to provide support to the sector.  Details' relating to workforce and professional development was contained on pages 75 and 76 of the report presented.

 

Some discussion ensued relating to the fact that girl's outperformed boys in Lincolnshire; with 77% achieving a Good Level of Development compared to 62%.  It was noted that the picture in Lincolnshire was mirrored nationally.  It was noted that as a result of the findings, money had been invested in forest schools, providing learning outdoors, as evidence has proven that boys learn better outdoors.

 

RESOLVED

 

            That the report be noted.

38.

Consultation on Future Provision of Dedicated Speech and Language/Primary Units pdf icon PDF 97 KB

To receive a report from the Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which sets out a consultation which recommends the discontinuance of the three dedicated speech and language referral units across Lincolnshire, and to provide Speech and Language services to children requiring interventions in the school which they are on the roll)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which provided the Forum with details of the consultation which recommended the discontinuance of three dedicated speech and language referral units across Lincolnshire, and to provide Speech and Language services to children requiring interventions in the school for which they are on the roll.  The Committee was advised that the consultation had commenced on 9 March 2016 and had finished on 22 April 2016.  Appendix A to the report presented provided a copy of the Consultation document for the Committee's consideration. 

 

The report advised that the final report to the Executive Councillor Adult Care and Health Services, Children's Services would be considered by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 27 May 2016, prior to a decision being taken by the Executive Councillor on 10 June 2016.

 

The Children's Service Manager, Special Educational Needs and Disability guided the Committee through the report advised that currently for children at primary age, the County Council commissioned three schools to provide educational and therapeutic support to children with complex speech and language difficulties and that currently there were 21 children attending the three units.  The three units were situated in Monkshouse Primary (Spalding), Mablethorpe Primary School (Mablethorpe) and Fosse Way (Lincoln).

 

The consultation document proposed an alternative model which recommended that pupils with complex or severe speech and/or language needs remained within their local primary school and continued to be educated in this setting, whilst receiving short term intensive therapeutic services to support them in reaching their full potential.  It was highlighted that pupils with more complex educational support needs would then follow the appropriate pathway for an Education, Health and Care Plan.

 

It was highlighted that the model also addressed the concerns of some parents that the young children should remain in their local community, at their local school and not having to travel long distances to attend one of the three units. 

 

It was reported that the Lincolnshire Community Health Service, the four Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Local Authority would be working together to enhance the current speech and language treatment outreach support service into mainstream primary schools to allow young children with complex speech and language needs to be able to remain in a mainstream school setting.

 

The Forum noted that in the future those pupils would form part of the census for mainstream primary schools for funding purposes and where a child's needs required an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, top up funding would be allocated.  The model aimed to provide support for children with complex speech and/or language needs within their own local community school and for those pupils with more complex educational support needs to follow the appropriate pathway for an EHC plan.

 

The Chairman advised that if any Forum members had missed the consultation deadline, he suggested that they still submit a response, as it might still be considered.

 

RESOLVED

 

            That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

39.

Academies Update pdf icon PDF 98 KB

(To receive a report from John O'Connor, Children's Services Manager, Education Support, which provides the Schools' Forum with information on the latest number of academies, and pupils in academies)

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from John O'Connor (Children's Services Manager, Education Support), which provided the Forum with information pertaining to the latest number of academies and pupil in academies.

 

The Head of Finance Children's Services guided the Forum through the report. 

 

It was reported that since 1 December 2015, there had been four additional schools that had converted to academy status, details of which were included in the report presented.

 

The current status of All Lincolnshire Schools was of the 362 schools, 227 (62.7%) Maintained 40,774 FTE's (39.3%), and 135 (37.3%) 62,867 FTE's and (60.7%) were Academies.

 

It was reported that by 1 October 2016, if conversions and sponsored conversions proceeded according to their target dates, the projected six monthly status of All Lincolnshire State Schools was of the 363 schools, 226 would be Maintained (62.3%), 83,969 FTE (81.0%) and 137 (37.7%); 19,673 FTE (19.0%) would be Academies.  It was noted that there was currently only two additional academies targeted to convert prior to 1 October, and that there was still a number of schools that were at the beginning of the process to become academies, but were not yet on the official lists.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the information on the latest number of academies and pupils in academies be noted.  

40.

Lincolnshire Schools Forum - Work Programme pdf icon PDF 59 KB

(This item provides the Schools' Forum with an opportunity to discuss potential items for future meetings, which will be subsequently, included on the Work Programme)

Minutes:

Members of the Forum were invited to put forward items for inclusion in future agendas through the Senior Democratic Services Officer.

 

RESOLVED

 

            That the Work Programme presented be noted.

 

 
 
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